Good morning!
I only have about three more recap posts after this one before the baby arrives. I don’t know what my blogging schedule will look like, but I’m going to take it day by day without any pressure or guilt. I’m officially very uncomfortable, and everything hurts. It’s wild how much your body can change in the last few months of pregnancy. I’m feeling tight, have the worst water retention, heartburn is a level 10, I have to pee every five minutes, my sciatica pain is making me waddle more than usual, my feet look like sausages, and I’m getting the choppiest sleep which makes me tired all the time. The positive thing is that it’s ALL WORTH IT! I cannot wait to meet our baby, and I know I’ll forget all about the discomfort as soon as they’re in my arms.
One of the things I have trouble doing is relaxing. I constantly want to be doing something! I’ve been spending a lot of my time gardening, cleaning everything, organizing, cooking, preparing our nursery, baking, and going on slow walks with Leo. At this point, my recaps are a bit repetitive, but it’s how I’ve been spending my time before the baby arrives.
One of my favorite morning views. Sometimes, I’ll let them outside, and they’ll wrestle for about an hour. I love it!
I try to get my one-mile walk in with Leo early in the morning. By the time afternoon rolls around, I feel like I was hit by a truck. I remember when my one-mile walk was about 16-minutes, and now it’s a solid 25-minute walk, but to be fair, my neighborhood is entirely uphill.
For Monday’s breakfast, I had a bagel with cream cheese, shredded cheese, egg, and a side of fresh fruit.
Later in the afternoon, my mom and I went to BuyBuyBaby to pick up some final things. They always have incredible deals and coupons there. I can get lost for a few hours browsing everything.
We treated ourselves to an oat milk cortado and ice cream at Two Scoops Creamery on the way home. I had a scoop of vanilla Biscoff cookie! I was sad when my maple granola wasn’t there, but this flavor didn’t disappoint. Two Scoops Creamery will be a weekly thing for me until the baby arrives! It’s one of the best treats, and it’s right next to my favorite flower nursery.
On Tuesday, I planted some of my petunias along the garden border. I know they are annuals, but they are my favorite border plants. I wanted to get those into the ground before I can’t do any more garden work. I still have to pull up my tulip bulbs here in about four weeks, but I may have my mom help me with that project. I feel my water will break while I’m covered in garden dirt.
After gardening, I took a break with a cup of coffee and some mini almond biscottis from Trader Joe’s. These are officially on my must-get list at Trader Joe’s. I am obsessed!
I made a smoothie for lunch that I’ve had a lot lately! It has a Dole tropical fruit packet, almond milk, superfood immunity elderberry juice, and Orgain protein powder. I am obsessed with this combo, and I love how simple it is to make. I have difficulty eating big meals because of heartburn, and this smoothie usually doesn’t trigger it.
I didn’t fit my morning walk-in on Tuesday since I had a doctor’s appointment, so I took Leo out before dinner. He has a way of giving me sad eyes by the door, and I can’t say no to him. He truly keeps me going! I didn’t feel like making dinner, so I ordered a Carmellas pizza and caesar salad.
Leo and I sat on the porch Wednesday morning while watching the thunderstorm. I love spring storms because it brings out all the greenery, and it means I don’t have to drag the hose out to water my plants. I believe rainwater has a magical component that makes flowers look much better!
I spent the day making a neighbor some banana bread bars, and I made another batch of chicken and noodle soup in the house for the week.
On Thursday, Kyle came home with Duck Donuts for me. I had wanted to try these! I was upset he was enabling my sugar intake but happy he did it because they were AMAZING! They don’t taste like traditional donuts. They almost have a funnel-cake fair type of taste. They make them fresh to order, which makes them even better! He told me he picked out all the flavors he thought I’d like. He’s so cute!
Tux had his grooming appointment on Friday morning! His hair grows back so fast that we have to take him every two months. Otherwise, he can’t see! He does well with his groomer, and she gets him done within an hour, so he’s not there all day.
After helping Kyle drop Tux off at the groomer on Friday morning, I met up with my friend for our weekly date! We went to Chatty Cathy’s Coffeehouse! I had their lavender matcha latte with oat milk and avocado toast. I cannot get over how delicious it was, and I will need to make a similar version at home. I usually never pick out anything with lavender flavor, but the barista said it’s a popular choice! I ended up loving it.
Kyle kept sending me selfies of him and Tux on the way home from the groomer! He looked so happy. Every time he gets cleaned, I put his entire bed into the washing machine; he has everything fresh for when he gets home. Not that I needed them, but I picked ups some more plants on the way home from the coffee shop. I bought more roses for the backyard and verbena to fill some bare spots.
My pots are doing so well! Even my hanging pots are doing better than last year. I’ve had to take them down every couple of days to water, deadhead, and get them a break from the windy weather.
I was exhausted on Saturday morning. I had hardly any sleep, and my heartburn was so bad. I was supposed to go uptown for a friend’s birthday lunch, but I could not get myself to get off the couch by the time the afternoon rolled around. I fell asleep for a few solid hours (which is rare!)
After getting some rest, I planted some zinnia seeds, made some delicious chocolate oatmeal cookies, and then plopped back onto the couch.
For dinner, I ordered some steak kebabs from Epic Chophouse. I don’t do a great job eating meat while pregnant, so I wanted to get in some good iron that evening, especially since I felt tired and my eyes were bloodshot.
When my neighbor brought me pineapple spears in coconut water, I wanted to cry. I had been seeing these on TikTok and NEEDED to try them! She found them at Sam’s club, and let me tell you, THEY ARE SO WORTH IT! 😋 I want to stock up on these for the summer. For a little poolside treat, I may even add some malibu and blend it up in my ice cream maker.
Sunday morning with the boys! Tux always feels better and more confident with his haircuts. I feel like it changes his personality. He and Leo wrestled around for hours! His favorite person. I’ll have to live with it.
We always make Sunday morning grocery trips to Publix.
We love trying new coke products, especially the coffee ones! I have no idea how they make them taste so good. When we first got it to try, we were not expecting anything extraordinary, but we genuinely loved it! We also decided to try the Starlight one because everyone talked about it. To me, it just tastes like vanilla diet coke. It has a slight kettle corn taste to it. Some people think cotton candy, and I can see that too.
I had some avocado toast on Daves Killer Bread with everything but the bagel seasoning and fresh watermelon on the side for breakfast! I finally transferred all of my indoor fruit plants to my backyard. I can’t believe my little raspberry bush that was all sticks when I got it is now producing shortcake raspberries! I get so excited when my plants are a success. And it only took two years to grow a lemon and one year for it to turn yellow! Y’ALL, WE HAVE LEMONS!!!! I started to convince myself it was a lime tree for a while. I don’t know what I’m going to do with them yet, but you better believe there will be an entire recipe blog post and video of me slicing into this lemon! It took way too long to grow not to give it the credit it deserves. Maybe I’ll paint my nails yellow to honor those lemons.
I snuck away to get out of helping Kyle hang some things on Sunday afternoon (such a good wife!) But I needed to relax my back and get some vitamin D. I sat on the porch soaking up the sun for a while, and it felt so good! He eventually called me asking me where I ran off, too 😂 He ended up sitting on the porch with me, which is much better than doing housework. The weather is magical right now! Sunny, light breeze, and in the seventies! We don’t get this for long, so I try to spend as much time outside as I possibly can. I have officially packed my entire hospital bag! I wanted to get this done early to blog about it and have it ready because you never know how early the baby will arrive. Next week, they’ll be full-term, and it’ll be a waiting game! I pray I don’t go longer than 40 weeks. I don’t know if I can do it! I’ll be doing all the labor-inducing tricks!
I’ll have my “what’s in my hospital bag” video and blog post up this week!
On Sunday afternoon, we took off all the patio furniture and scrubbed it all down. The back porch gets filthy in the winter from the mud and rain. And then it gets topped off with pollen in early spring. It looks so much better out there now! Kyle is going to do a fresh coat of paint sometime this month.
For dinner, I made THE YUMMIEST shrimp and feta Greek salad! I need to go to the store to pick up more shrimp to make this again this week. 😋 I’m still heading to bed before 8 pm to get as much shut-eye as I can before insomnia kicks in. Now that I’m nine months pregnant, I’ll start writing my third-trimester recap post. Let me know if you want me to answer any questions!
I hope you all have the BEST WEEK EVER! XO
Questions for you!
- What should I make with my lemons?
- If you have kids, at what week did you give birth?
- Do you find it hard to relax even when you’re tired?
Kayla says
Great update! I’d love to see posts about what’s in your hospital bag and what things you actually use after the baby is born. So many of my friends are in their third trimester right now and it’s tough to know what to get them!
My best friend is going through residency while pregnant which means 10-12 hour days in the hospital on top of taking care of things at home. I’m thinking it may be better to get her a gift of relaxing items rather than another baby gift!
Taralynn says
Hi, Kayla!
I will definitely go back into the blog once I’m home and edit what I used and didn’t use. I know sometimes people use things that others don’t, and its all about the circumstance!
Oh gosh YES! Maybe get her a prenatal massage, pedicure, or something that she can enjoy. I’m sure she has all the baby stuff she needs and sometimes mama gets forgotten. You’re such a great friend to think of her!
Mo Larson says
I am so happy for you….I have followed you for 10 years now, and I always enjoy your posts and all your wonderful projects. I am a grandma to a terrific little boy, and I just know that your mom is going to be crazy with this baby…..I look so forward to your re-caps each week…thank you Tara-Lynn for your time, energy, and the love you put into everything….I will be praying for a quick & lovely delivery of your most precious person….May God Bless you and keep you safe….
PS-when I had my first child I was so big and heartburn was a real thing😂😂😂deep breathing really helped me-she arrived at about 35 weeks and was only 6 lbs and I was huge. You look great and keep smiling…you are a beautiful person🥰
Taralynn says
Hi, Mo!
10 YEARS! wow. Where has the time gone?
Thank you for those sweet sweet words. And yes, my mom is absolutely going to be in love with being a grandma. She is as excited as I am.
I’ve never experienced heartburn in my life so at first I was worred as to what it could be. It’s soooo bad! I’m glad your baby was healthy and thriving at 35 weeks! I wouldn’t be made if I went into labor in the next few weeks!
Cait DeMoss says
Mine was 40 weeks 3 days. My doctor ended up wanting to induce me for Liam with me being a carrier for Factor V. Basically the last month of pregnancy I slept on the couch because that was the only place I could get comfortable.
Taralynn says
Hi, Cait!
I’m probably on the verge of doing the same by next week! I only have a little juice left in me.
Cayleigh Mueller says
I went 39 weeks naturally. Which I am thankful for otherwise they wanted to induce me due to gestational diabetes. Question, I’m horrible at identifying plants but what are the plants in the white planter with the orange and pink flowers. also I love the planters. Where did you get them?
Taralynn says
I hope I can go naturally and at 39, too! I don’t want to go over at this point lol
Those plants are Petunias (orange) and verbena (pink)
Cayleigh Mueller says
That last bit is so uncomfortable, I hope you don’t go over! i also had sciatica issues that started week 15 so my farm and gardens are severely neglected. I have a lot of damage control to do this spring.
Thank you! I knew they looked familiar. I love the color combo and I’ve used these in containers and kept them alive all season! So that’s a plus. lol
Taralynn says
And the best part about them is that they’re perennials so they’ll come back next year if I keep them healthy in their pots!
Gosh, that sciatica is terrible! I’m lucky I didn’t get it until late pregnancy, but it’s now in both legs.
I bet you’re so excited about all the gardening this spring! ♥️
Brooke says
I haven’t been to your blog in so long but I instantly smiled when I saw you were pregnant. I think I’ve been following you for like over 10 years, back when you were first starting your weight loss journey. I was so happy when you finally found the love of your life and built your home and now the baby!!! So excited for you! Praying everything goes well! Take all the naps you can and go to bed early while you can 😁
Kristen King says
First off, I am so excited for you and can’t wait to see little babe when he/she makes their arrival. You guys are going to be such amazing parents! As for the lemons, you should definitely make homemade lemonade and lemon bars!
With Rhys I gave birth at 39 weeks 4 days and with Remi I was 39 weeks 3 days. Started having contractions and went into labor on my own with Rhys. My water broke with Remi and I had to have pitocin to get contractions going. Both amazing labors and births though!
I don’t really find it hard to relax when I’m tired unless there are things that need done, such as dishes or laundry. Then my mind keeps telling me I need to be doing those things instead of relaxing. I’ve really been trying to keep up with housework and stuff during the week though so we don’t have as much to do on the weekends and can just relax.
Taralynn says
Hi, Kristen!
Awww thank you so much 😊 I’m thinking some kind of lemon dessert, too!
I love hearing that your labors were both easy! Amazing!
I need to get into that relaxation mindset, too!
Stacy Leigh says
I think you should make lemon meringue pie 😋. My son was born at 35 weeks by emergency cesarean. My husband and I did not have bags with nor did I even pack a bag yet. Honestly, having been through that situation I would say I really didn’t need anything except for my pillow from home, comfy socks and pj’s, and toothbrush with toothpaste. Oh and a charger. Lol.
Taralynn says
I was thinking lemon meringue pie too!!
I’m so happy your son is healthy! ♥️ I’m definitely bringing my own pillow/blanket lol!
Suzanne says
I bought an exercise ball to bounce on and that night, after using it once for 5 minutes, I went into labor at 39 weeks. It’s worth a shot! 🙂
Taralynn says
I need to get a new one! I bought one on Amazon but when I blew it up it was way too small for me! 😆 My long legs were not having it. But if that helps me go into labor I’ll be bouncing all day!
Hannah R says
Love seeing all your beautiful flowers!! Time outside is so rich and beautiful, even in the rain 😍
The absolutely most important “trick” to going into labor is allowing your oxytocin levels to rise to the peak kick-off level in order to induce labor. Once your baby’s lungs release the chemical that signals “I’m all done, in here!” Oxytocin is what brings labor on, keeps it going, and kick starts lactation! So, there is literally never a better time to do all the things that make you feel amazing, like extra massages, funny and feel-good movies (no scary ones – as adrenaline and oxytocin can’t flow at the same time), all of the happy things. So exciting!!
Also, I can’t wait to start doing our garden, too! Unfortunately, planting things outside in Iowa before May 1 is like sending them on little suicide missions 🥴 so, our hibiscus is going to have to chill (literally) in our garage for a few more weeks.
Love seeing Tux come out of his shell for you guys and learn how loved he is! Makes my heart smile, and he’s not even my pup.
Taralynn says
Hi, Hannah!
Thank you 😊 I just can’t get enough of being outside. Even if I’m just sitting on the porch or picking deadhead flowers, it feels so good!
Lucky for me, Spring is one of those times where I’m constantly on a happy oxytocin kick 😂 so maybe baby will arrive a little early!
UGH I don’t know how you do it. I know we used to get random snow storms in May in Iowa and that would devastate the plants! It definitely teaches you some patience lol but you guys do have the best tulip festival! I want to make it back there again some day for it!
Tux has been doing so amazing I can’t even explain how happy it makes me!!
Kaitlyn says
Hi Taralynn,
What should I make with my lemons?
I love putting lemon on salmon and wrapping it in tin foil before popping it in the oven
If you have kids, at what week did you give birth?
Scarlett was born at 39 weeks 3 days and Damian was born at 38 weeks 5 days. My water broke for Scarlett around midnight and contractions kicked in later, but I woke up around 3AM with contractions for Damian.
Do you find it hard to relax even when you’re tired?
Ugh….yessssssss
Taralynn says
Hi, Kaitlyn!
Gosh, I wish I could eat salmon (used to be my FAVORITE) but I haven’t been able to even look at it my entire pregnancy.
Wow, your pregnancies were so close with the weeks!
Nora says
Those last few weeks can be tough! I found the heartburn so difficult to deal with, I could barely sleep anymore with my first. Hang in there, it really is worth it and you REALLY do forget the hard parts. And once you don’t forget them anymore, it’s probably time to stop having more babies – at least this happened to me after my third!
I would use those special lemons for something simple that lets you savor them in their purest form! Lemonade or even just sparkling lemon water.
I had my first at 38+0 (breech baby wanted OUT!), second and 40+6 and third at 41+ What felt like a million days 😂🙈 and I did all of the labor inducing stuff, he just wanted to stay a little longer.
And I’m incapable to relax 🤷🏻♀️ always something to do, something to read, something to work! I need to learn to become so much better at this, but I always feel a little guilty when I just do nothing.
Have a great week! PS I finally decided to order some porch railing planters and flowers, can’t wait!
Taralynn says
Hi, Nora!
That is so funny. I guess once you forget the hard parts, you’re ready for the next round lol All of the doctors have told me that it’s crazy how the symptoms magically disappear a few weeks after labor. I’m looking forward to it!
Oh nooo. Luckily for me, baby is head down! I was nervous about breech, but they’ve been head down for a while now. Definitely giving me the lightning you know what down there 😢 lol OMG 41+ ahhh! But you forgot about it right? 😆
You and me both, girl! I was in so much pain and tired, but the furniture was yelling at me through the window that it needed to be cleaned! lol
Yay!!! I hope you send me photos of you planters and flowers once you get them filled!!
Madeline says
I LOVE lemon recipes. Lemon water first thing in the morning, lemon bars, lemonade, and THIS lemon shrimp pasta by Giada: https://pin.it/6EpEPy4
My first was born at 40+3. It probably would’ve been later but I did a lot of the at home induction strategies. Second is still cooking at 32 weeks…
Thankfully, no. I am so tired chasing my daughter around I can fall asleep at the drop of a hat. I was much more active and energetic during my first pregnancy though.
How exciting for you!!!! This is such a special time for your family. Cherish it forever.
Taralynn says
You had me at Giada! ♥️
Congrats on your second pregnancy! How special 😊
& thank you so much!!! We are so so so excited!!!!
Jenna says
Hi Taralynn!
You should make lemonade! I think that will highlight the lemon the most!
I gave birth at 38w6d with my daughter which surprised me because I was fully intending to go late. My water also broke first which only happens 10% of the time despite what movies say. So even more surprise!
Yes! Especially when I want to nap but feel guilty about it and don’t.
I feel you about being uncomfortable but it’s totally true that you forget! I am 30 weeks with my second and swear I was never uncomfortable with my first like I have been this time. I know I had to be but my daughter is so wonderful that you do forget – so worth it!
Taralynn says
Lemonade would be pretty easy! 😊 Maybe I’ll do a fun mocktail of some sort.
Wow! Yes, I read about how that only happens 10% of the time. I guess you didn’t have to guess if you were in labor or not!
Congrats on #2!!
Pamela says
You look great!! Good luck with these final days/weeks!
1. Lemons…all I can think of is lemon poppyseed bread or muffins. YUM!!
2. My daughter’s due date was August 3rd….she was born Aug 11th! It was hard cause all of my friends who had just had kids all went early and I was so late.
3. YES! When I am overtired, I find it so much harder to get comfortable and relax. I try to avoid it at all costs. LOL!
Have a wonderful week!!
Taralynn says
Hi, Pamela!
Oh gosh a week late ahhh! I know baby will come when they want, but the discomfort for one more week 😂
I feel ya on that! My body is always tired but my brain is like “KEEP GOING!”
Milena says
Hi Taralynn! ♥️
I can’t believe it’s only 3 weeks left! I can’t wait to find out if its a girl or a boy 🙂 I am so happy for you and your beautiful family 🙂
BTW Tux looks amazing in the new haircut!
I also find it hard to relax even when I’m extremely tired. I think I don’t know how to sit down and do nothing, I always have to do something.
Have a nice rest of the week ♥️
Taralynn says
Thank you, Milena!!
I am so so excited to find out too! Ten months of waiting is the hardest 😆
I love when Tux gets his haircut. I always feel like he’s happier and feels so much cooler! His hair grows so fast!!
I am the same as you with that!!
Sarah says
Love all your updates! Definitely recommend watching the movie What To Expect When You Are Expecting. It’s hilarious and gets me every time! So true regarding pregnancy. Did I mention it’s hilarious?
With my first my water broke at exactly 38+0 days. Currently 36 weeks with our second so we will see.
Taralynn says
I haven’t seen that one in a while!!
Sarah says
One of the story lines in the movie is my favorite. The woman who tried for 2 yrs to get pregnant then hated pregnancy and called BS on the whole thing. She felt miserable pregnant. That was my favorite thing to relate to with my first pregnancy. Society paints this beautiful picture of pregnancy and the first days with baby but it’s not always like that. For some I guess it is but it was a real shocker for me that my story wasn’t like. So that movie helped me relate and laugh.